There is currently a lack of information on presentation patterns and the appropriate investigation and treatment of aortic brucellosis. Herein a case affecting the iliac component of an aorto-iliac aneurysm, managed successfully with in situ graft repair, is reported. A review of the literature identified 25 cases, with the infrarenal abdominal aorta (65%) followed by the ascending thoracic aorta (23%) being mostly affected; only our case involved the iliacs. Aortic brucellosis affected mostly older men, caused pain more often than fever (in 73% and 57%, respectively), and involved frequently the spine or the aortic valve (n = 14, 56%). Preoperative diagnosis was made more often in the presence of fever (67% versus 18% in afebrile patients, P = 0.021). In situ aneurysm repair in the form of open (54%) or endovascular (8%) grafting was mostly performed. Mortality was 12% and graft infection was 13% at two years. In conclusion, aortic brucellosis has unique presentation patterns, usually affecting an abnormal or aneurysmal aorta and/or due to a contiguous spinal or aortic valve infection. Acute symptomatology with pain and/or fever occurs very often and should raise suspicion for aortic infection. Despite the seriousness of aortic involvement, mortality and reinfection rates are within acceptable levels.

Grade of fatty liver in obese patients may be predicted from DPI, serum triglyceride and AST levels. The proposed index may be useful as a non-invasive diagnostic tool during the follow-up of patients with obesity-related fatty liver.

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In the contemporary era, AFB is more likely to be performed for CLI and in women than in the past. Despite these changes, perioperative mortality and morbidity remain low and long-term outcome excellent.